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Fitness Gear to Help You Beat the Summer Heat

It's hot out there! (No, it's not just you -- although that bikini looks smokin'!) Even before July hit, the United States had already broken its record for the hottest first six months in a calendar year, according to...

It's hot out there! (No, it's not just you -- although that bikini looks smokin'!) Even before July hit, the United States had already broken its record for the hottest first six months in a calendar year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The last couple of weeks have been no picnic, either, in most parts of the country, and hotter-than-average temperatures are expected to continue at least over the next few days.

During a prolonged heat wave, working up a sweat may be the last thing you want to do -- but it's no excuse to throw in the towel altogether. To help keep you motivated, we rounded up some summer-specific gear that can help get you through any outdoor exercise. (Just remember to stay safe and use common sense whenever possible: Work out in the morning or evening, choose shade over direct sunlight, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and don't push yourself if you feel dizzy, sick or otherwise out-of-sorts.)

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](http://blog.self.com/fitness/blogs/freshfitnesstips/Screen%20Shot%202012-07-10%20at%202.49.45%20PM.png)Strip downBrooks D'Lite mesh tank is the closest thing you can get to going topless (well, unless you work out in just a sports bra -- which we totally support, too!): The fabric is super lightweight and breathable, so much so that it's pretty much see-through, but it still has a UV-protection factor of 40+. $28, brooksrunning.com

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](http://blog.self.com/fitness/blogs/freshfitnesstips/Screen%20Shot%202012-07-10%20at%204.37.07%20PM.png)Set your legs freeLululemon's Light as Air shorts are loose and free-flowing, but not too long or baggy to feel like they're in your way. They have a built-in wicking liner and venting to let hot air escape, and a hidden pocket to hold your keys and cards. $58, lululemon.com

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](http://blog.self.com/fitness/blogs/freshfitnesstips/Screen%20Shot%202012-07-10%20at%204.24.04%20PM.png)Keep your water coldNo matter what sport you're practicing, indoors or out, it's important to stay hydrated in the heat. In between laps, sets, or sun salutations, take frequent breaks to sip something cold and icy from the Kleen Kanteen insulated bottle. Fill it up with ice water -- or a frozen mix from your blender -- and it will stay cold for 24 hours, even under the hot sun. (Bonus tip: A 2010 study found that athletes who drank a slushy before workout out had greater endurance than those who drank cold water.) From $22.95, kleenkanteen.com

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](http://blog.self.com/fitness/blogs/freshfitnesstips/Screen%20Shot%202012-07-10%20at%204.20.04%20PM.png)Wipe yourself downIf you've ever run a marathon or half marathon, you might be familiar with the amazing feeling of an ice-cold towel placed around your neck at the finish line. Since you don't always have a bucket of ice water available, though, stash a Frogg Toggs Chilly Sport pad in your bag, instead. It's made from a special evaporative material, so just wetting the towel (even if it's with hot water!) and wringing it out makes it cool and refreshing to the touch within minutes. $13.95, froggtoggs.com

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](http://blog.self.com/fitness/blogs/freshfitnesstips/Screen%20Shot%202012-07-10%20at%204.22.10%20PM.png)Keep tabs on your tickerIf working out in the heat seems more exhausting than usual, it's not all in your head. Studies have shown that exercising in elevated temperatures and being dehydrated (which happens more easily when you sweat a lot) can both cause your heart to beat faster than it normally would. To stay safe and avoid overdoing it, use a heart rate monitor to track your target heart-rate zones. Check out SELF's buyer's guide for our favorites (the Timex Easy Trainer, $50 at timex.com is pictured here), plus tips on how to use them.

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](http://blog.self.com/fitness/blogs/freshfitnesstips/Screen%20Shot%202012-07-10%20at%204.30.36%20PM.png)BYO ice packsFinally, in the kind-of-weird-but-strangely-wonderful category, is the CoolWear IceTee: A lightweight wicking tank that comes with freezable, reusable gel packs that slip into pockets around the neck and upper spine. (The men's version has underarm pockets, as well.) It looked and felt a little goofy when I put it on, but two miles into my mid-afternoon slog I was really appreciating the cooling effects -- which lasted the better part of an hour out in the heat. I definitely wouldn't wear this one every day, but I'm keeping it handy for my next long training run. $59.95, theicetee.com